Quick hits while chillin’ in L.A.

9:55 a.m. PCT, LOS ANGELES  Some of you are wondering if Cowboys rookie receiver Sam Hurd is overhyped, a creation of the San Antonio media.

Here’s my take: Hurd is one of the surprises of camp. He’s got good hands, good size and an incredible work ethic. Plus, as Bill Parcells and several other Cowboys have pointed out, he’s smart and has already learned three different receiving positions.

With all that said, he’s still raw, a diamond in the rough who needs plenty of coaching.

But keep your eye on him tomorrow night. He’s fun to watch because he goes after every pass, no matter how poorly it’s thrown. If he was a baseball player, he’d be known as a bad-ball hitter.

&#8226 Bill Parcells hasn’t said much about it, but I think he’s concerned about the play of his nose tackles: Jason Ferguson, Thomas Johnson and rookie Montavius Stanley. The 3-4 defense really clicks when there’s a beast in the middle. No such animal in camp so far.

&#8226 Terrell Owens thought he was a riot wearing the cycling gear yesterday. Believe me, most of us have seen better comedy on public access cable.

The guy is approaching Dennis Rodman status with his constant look-at-me behavior.

&#8226 Second-year linebacker Kevin Burnett looks like he’ll be a solid nickel performer this year. Burnett is healthy and motivated, two things he didn’t seem to be last season.

&#8226 Newly signed fourth-string quarterback Matt Baker is a definite upgrade over Jeff Mroz. That’s not saying much, but it helps in practice when fresh arms are needed this time of camp.

&#8226 Some airport hotels in the Marriott chain are pretty ordinary. Not the Renaissance Montura in Los Angeles. First-class place all the way around. I especially like the pictures of old L.A. in the hallway on every floor. Each floor has a different theme. The theme on the 10th floor is the beach. Pretty cool.